Our View: Make the most out of tough times

The doom-and-gloom reporting about the nation's economy can be pretty depressing.

Foreclosures. High gas prices. Soaring food costs.

Not a day goes by that we don't hear about something negative taking place in the United States.

But with all of the negativity, there can be some positives, especially if people take a step back, gain some perspective, do some thinking and become a little proactive.

For instance, when it comes to all the talk about home foreclosures, when's the last time you heard someone encourage people to scale back, downsize and trim their lifestyle to a more affordable budget?

That's a good first step. Maybe it's time for homeowners to analyze their lifestyles. Do they really need to own mega-homes with two garages, swimming pools and mortgages that put a strain on family budgets?

Maybe it is time to move into smaller, more affordable homes, and, at the same time, lessen the burden on family finances.

And with higher gas prices, are there ways to cut costs? A more efficient vehicle, perhaps? Bike to work or school? Car pool? Walk? Certainly, the wheels in the mind can spin for ideas, and possibly create a way to save money.

The same can be said of buying food at the grocery store or eating out at restaurants. There are ways to save money. Things as simple as coupon clipping and looking for bargains can help save dollars. And as for eating out, maybe it's time to take a break for a week or two, and see how that helps the pocketbook.

In tough financial times, not everything has to be doom-and-gloom. It can be an opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes, if people are motivated.

If you're struggling financially and getting overwhelmed by all the negative talk, maybe now is the time to act.